“God, what good can I do here?” I mumbled as I lay in a hospital bed. He patiently reminded me that no matter where we are and whatever situation we are in, all we have to do is to “be” in Him. To allow the light of His love to fill our hearts and to shine outward into the darkness of this world. One person at a time.
As I recently pondered this, I was reminded of a post I wrote 9 years ago, and I’m sharing a revised, updated version of it here:
~ Mary Engelbreit
We’re all planted in the garden of life. In the exact spot where God wants us to be. But sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged, right?
When memory triggers of past abuse taunt me and chronic illness drains me, I sometimes rebel in my heart. I wish I was in a field free of shame and insecurity. Where I didn’t feel so insignificant and worthless. Where my body can do what my heart longs to do.
By the grace of God, I have come through further emotional healing over the years and He has strengthened my heart to cling more tightly to who we are in Christ. I still slip sometimes and easily slide into the comparison trap where I feel insignificant and not enough, but God graciously strengthens me to remember we are planted in His field of love where there is no condemnation and we are always enough. Always unconditionally loved. Always beautifully valued.
A devotion I found years ago still inspires me today. I hope it will encourage your heart, too.
An ancient legend tells of a king who walked into his garden one day to find almost everything withered and dying. After speaking to an oak near the gate, the king learned that he was troubled because he was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine overheard their conversation and added that she, too, was upset, for she could not bear delicious fruit like the pear tree. The pear tree heard his name and began to complain that he did not have the lovely odor of the spruce. And so it went throughout the entire garden.
Near the very edge of the garden grew a little daisy. As the king approached, he noticed her bright little face, full of life. “Well, little flower,” said the monarch, “I’m glad to find that there is at least one happy face in my garden.”
“Oh king,” she said, “I know I’m little, and not many people notice me, but one day I realized that if you planted me here, you must have had a good reason. So, your majesty, I’ve determined to be the best little flower I can be!” (Read more – Bloom Where You’re Planted – George Whitten)
God has planted us where He wants us. We may sometimes get trampled on and feel choked out by painful losses of various kinds, by struggles we can’t understand, and by negative voices that tell us we have no value or purpose.
But our Gardener delights in each of His plantings. By grace He lifts up the downtrodden and nurtures them time and time again. He places each plant in such a way that it will compliment the other in the grand scheme of things. Where one serves a purpose to some souls, another brings what is needed to other souls. Plants are placed exactly where God can give the best nourishment to each and they can in turn pass on that nourishment to others.
We are in it for God. Because of His love and to His glory. And we can easily lose our focus if we concentrate on what others have and we don’t. God uniquely created each of us with a special purpose. Each one of us is needed in His garden, no matter where we’re at. It’s not about what and how much we “do.” It’s about “being.” Being rooted in the depths of His purpose. Opening our hearts to drink from His bottomless pool of renewing grace. Allowing the sunshine of His love to nourish us to bloom His love to others.
Every seed of kindness we plant,
However small, noticed or unnoticed,
Can bloom hope in the heart of a hurting soul,
A soul aching to be loved and cared about.
Every tiny seed planted will grow
And sprinkle seeds to others,
Making a difference in the lives of many.
~ Trudy dH ~
Shining God’s Love Wherever We are
“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God Who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~ Mother Teresa
“Being a world-changer simply means touching the heart of one person at a time through whatever gifts you’ve been given right where you are today.” ~ Holley Gerth
“A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows.” ~ St. Francis of Assisi
Nature Retreat
“Look closely at nature.
Every species is a masterpiece,
exquisitely adapted to the particular
environment in which it has survived.”
~ E.O. Wilson
☀️ Fascinating Photos from my Brother John ☀️
Arizona’s Marvels
they come out to breed. You can listen to their
unusual sound at the sound gallery at U.S. National Park Service.
Some mind-boggling facts here.
by Holley Gerth
Freed to Fly 
Oh, Trudy, your words certainly hit home today as we are navigating through some unexpected challenges here. Don’t worry! We are fine, but Danny was recently hospitalized for a situation brought on by one of his prescribed heart medicines. We are pretty much confined here as his immune system has been compromised. Yet, we can still bloom where we’re planted because God will see to it and take care of us right where we are. I did love the legend you included (great lesson) and, of course, John’s amazing photos. May you enjoy the rest of July and have a marvelous August! Blessings!
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I’ve been following along with your unexpected challenges, Martha. Scary. I’m so thankful Danny is home again. I’m sure it’s difficult to have to be confined in order to protect him. Yes, you and Danny are still blooming where you are planted! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words and well-wishes. Love, hugs, and blessings of God’s all sufficient grace and daily strength!
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Hi, Trudy.
I wish you may be fine.
Very beautiful your post.
Blessings and new days with sprouted seeds.
Jesus is with you.
Let’s pray for all, with Faith & Hope.
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I love your kind thoughts and prayers, am vn! Thank you so much! Love and blessings to you!
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Thank you for sharing your words, Trudy! It was very timely since I am in a new growth phase in a new garden, so to speak! And your brother’s pictures are beautiful! Yes, every species is a masterpiece, and your brother has captured the details on those critters so magnificently!
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I’m glad it was timely for you, Lynn. You have had a lot of adjustments, haven’t you? I agree my brother “has captured the detail on those critters magnificently!” 🙂 Love, hugs, and blessings of strength through your new growth phase!
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Dear Trudy, thank you for these lovely and encouraging words. I am always so blessed here, and I truly see how you are living out all that you share with us, especially this:
I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God Who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~ Mother Teresa
I pray that the Lord lets you see just even a glimpse of the fruit that comes from your trusting heart. May He bless you this summer and bring great refreshing to you. Love and prayers, dear friend! ❤️
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I’m so grateful God blesses you with encouragement here, Bettie. Thank so so much for your kind thoughts and prayers. Love and hugs and blessings of His grace beyond measure!
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What a beautiful message that you have shared here, along with some lovely photos.
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Thank you so much, Rebecca. Love and blessings to you!
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Dear Trudy, I hope that this is a good day for you, that you’re feeling stronger, and experiencing the gracious love from God that you so freely share with us all! Thank you for sharing your heart, for ministering His grace and encouragement to us.
Bless your weekend, friend.
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Thank you so much for your kindness and prayers, Linda. Love and hugs and blessings for peaceful and relaxing moments in your life!
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Sending you love, hugs & prayers Trudy, I do have understanding my friend, we are definitely called to ‘Be’ in God in every season in our lives.
It seems God has given us messages on His love notes this week;
“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God Who is sending a love letter to the world.” ~ Mother Teresa
Blessings, Jennifer
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Thank you, Jennifer! Love, hugs, and prayers back to you! I know you understand that struggle to not be able to do what our hearts want to. Yes, may we “be” in our God and Savior!
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Oh Trudy. I really appreciate the post you shared this week. “God has planted us where He wants us.” So true. And He allows the storms that come our way for His purposes. I don’t always understand, but I believe. And I know you do too. Sending love and hugs your way, dear friend.
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Thank you, Lois. Sending love and hugs back to you! May God strengthen you through the present storm! I hope and pray you are continuing to heal! Yes, it’s hard to understand, but He’s still got us in the palm of His loving hand. 💕
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I hate to hear that you have been in the hospital. Bless your heart. I pray you are back at home now and feeling much better. I am praying for you today. This post was a wonderful encouragement today.
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Thank you, Cheryl. This hospital stay was in March, the one I talked about last month. I do feel much better, though I’m still not back to what I was. I’m so glad this post encouraged you today! Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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This is a great reminder that even if we don’t feel our situations are idea/ what we would have chosen, God has a purpose for us and he can use us. It definitely makes a difference if we seek to “bloom” and do our best for him wherever he has placed us.
Thanks for sharing John’s photos too. I always appreciate them!
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Thank you, Lesley, for your kind words. I’m so glad you appreciate John’s photos. 🙂 “It definitely makes a difference if we seek to “bloom” and do our best for him wherever he has placed us.” So true. Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
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